“I hate having my photo taken!” - Tips for the reluctant photography model

If you’re someone who cringes at the thought of being in front of a camera, you’re certainly not alone! I’ve lost count of the number of times people have told me that they hate having their photo taken, and I totally understand - it’s not the most everyday thing to do! But rest assured, I’m here to guide you and to make the experience as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. Here are some tips to help ease your discomfort and make the experience much more enjoyable:

  • Find Your Comfort Zone: Start by wearing clothes that make you feel both confident and comfortable. This can help you feel more at ease when the camera is pointed at you.
  • Check the mirror, and your own photos: It can be worth having a practice in the mirror before the shoot to get an idea of your best angles and expressions, but don’t over think it as it’s my job to help with this on the day. Having a look back at photos of yourself can also be a good way to see what you like best.
  • Let’s chat: We don’t spend the whole shoot taking photos, in fact, we’ll have a chat at the start of the portrait shoot (and as we go!) which should make you feel more relaxed. Share your concerns and preferences on the day or ahead of time. I will guide you and make adjustments so you feel more confident and comfortable.
  • The warm up: I always tell people that the first few photos probably won’t be the ones we go for. So don’t worry! Those first clicks of the shutter are like a warm up, I’ll be checking the light and you’ll be getting used to posing. Knowing that those early photos, in all probability, will not be the chosen ones, means that there is absolutely no pressure and you can comfortably ease into the experience. So many of my reluctant clients grow in confidence by the end of the shoot, and this transformation is one of my favourite things to see!
  • Practise Relaxation Techniques: Before the photo shoot, take a few deep breaths to help calm your nerves. Relaxing your mind and thinking about something that makes you happy can lead to a more relaxed appearance in photos.
  • Remember, it’s completely normal to feel a little unsure about having your headshot taken, but don’t worry, I’m here to help!

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